Sound like you have been through this too. It can be frustrating to know something is wrong and yet "everything seems ok". I had inflammatory issues for years. Seems like I went from one thing to the next. Finally now I know several issues and can have them addressed.

There are many ways to check for RA besides the factor test. I was originally diagnosed with Seronegative RA. Have you seen a Rheumatologist? Hoping we both continue to get help and answers.View Thread

keep_calm - Thanks for responding, Sorry you are having so many issues. Have you seen your specialist yet? How long have you had RA?

My pulmonologist has been putting me on antibiotics at the first sign of cold-cough-repsiratory issues. For me it has been very beneficial. I have not had any bad issues since he started that except for the pleurisy this year so far.View Thread

ajmbt - Thanks for responding. Sorry you have issues, but it is nice to see that someone else has these issues too. Good to not feel alone. I have had issues with inflammation off and on of one kind or another for that last 15 years.

I would get tendonitis, inflamed this or that, etc. Seemed like asthma would get better to have inflammation in my heels, to tendonitis in my thumb, to bronchitis....etc etc.

Dumplin555 - Yes I get the pneumonia shot and a yearly flu shot too. I am being seen and watched by a pulmonologist. This year is going much better than last. Thanks for asking though.

Sorry about your RA diagnosis. If you take Methotrexate...make sure to ask about when and if you should take it when you are having respiratory issues. I was not well informed on this and it added to my issues last year. Now I have a much better understanding and know when to take it or delay it.

I have RA, Osteoarthritis and Fibromyalgia. I have a very bad time with low pressure systems/storms. I hurt from head to toe, like a body flu with no fever. I often get a bad headache too. I can feel the change in weather coming anywhere from 1-2 days before and doesn't let up until about the time it moves out. Winter storms are the worst. Does anyone else have this issue?View Thread

Sorry the weather is a rough for you as for me. Looks like you responded to the Pleurisy question as well. I dread weather fronts. Nice to know someone else is a bothered as I am.

Generally people will say of yes, my knee or my hand, but they do not understand the all encompassing effect it has on me. My husband can tell by my face and eyes, how much I hurt on these bad weather days. He has grown to understand much more and I am so thankful he has. Today is sunny however and nice so I am going to enjoy it while it is here.View Thread

I am sorry you are having such difficulties. I also have Osteoarthritis and the Rheumatologist leaves that part to my regular Doctor. Because I have several illnesses it can be tough to tell which is Fibromyalgia, RA, Osteoarthritis, etc.

It can be exhausting and I can go from ok to exhausted in a very short time span. Be patient with yourself and with your husband. It can be hard for others to see the effects. Pursue a 2nd opinion if you need to. The doctor suspected me for 2 years before I was diagnosed. My sister has bad osteoarthritis in both hands, as well as her back and a few other areas, but not RA. It can be tricky to get the right diagnosis.View Thread

Shannon_sI guess I should clarify a few things. Yes, I have been diagnosed with RA, Osteoarthritis, Fibromyalgia, I also have bad allergies and have asthma issues. RA = Diagnosed in October 2012Osteoarthritis = Diagnosed at same timeFibro = Diagnosed in June 2010Asthma and Allergies for yearsI am very glad you are seeing a Rheumatologist. That is where I started in June of 2010. She diagnosed the Fibromyalgia, severe Vitamin D deficiency, and Sleep Apnea. At that time she said she feared I was getting RA....about 6 months later I began on the Plaquenil to slow the disease. I have tried several medications over the last 2 years and had to start Humira in April as I was not responding to medications.

I understand the Lazy person feeling...looks. I went from a busy, mom, grandma, full-time employee to a person I hardly know. I can have good days and bad days. Some days a fair amount of energy, and some days very little. Occasionally I hit a wall and must just crash. I am learning to pace myself better, know when to take rests and breaks. Etc. You will do the same. Let me know how your doctor visit goes. Glad you are seeking help. Be patient it is a disease that each patient is different, and you and your doctor need time to learn to communicate and see how your body reacts.View Thread

Bill- Thanks for your response. I appreciate that you share it has a possible help instead of a "I have found the cure all!" I think it is great that you share what was helpful for you. I may try it myself.

So many tout their finds as a magic cure, RA has no "Cure". It has remissions and you can certainly fair better at times and worse at times. Hope you are still finding it helpful.View Thread

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